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oPatientPlus articles are written by UK doctors and are based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. They are designed for health professionals to use, so you may find the language more technical than the condition leaflets.

A claw toe involves abnormal positions of all three joints in the toe. It consists of an extension contracture with dorsal subluxation of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, together with flexion deformities of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints.

A hammer toe shows extension of the MTP joints and the DIP joints. The PIP joints are hyperflexed.

A mallet toe shows a flexed DIP joint, most commonly of the second toe.

Epidemiology

They occur throughout life, although are most often seen in the seventh and eighth decades.

Aetiology

Poorly fitted shoes - usually the result of wearing shoes that are too short. (Many people have second toes that are longer than their big toes. If they wear shoes sized to fit the big toe, the second toe has to bend to fit into the shoe - causing mallet toe. High-heeled shoes with pointed toes are also a major cause of claw toes.)

Surgery

When the toe deformity is painful or permanent, surgical repair is performed to relieve pain, correct the problem, and provide a stable, functional toe.[1] Type of surgery depends on whether the deformity is fixed or flexible. Surgery may include soft-tissue rebalancing and sometimes fusions of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.[2] Risks associated with surgery include:

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.